Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th, celebrated annually by fans around the globe, is a day steeped in the lore of the beloved franchise. This unofficial holiday is a playful nod to the iconic phrase from the series, "May the Force be with you," which first appeared in the 1977 film, "Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope." The phrase has since become synonymous with good luck and well-wishes among fans.
The roots of the phrase can be traced back to General Dodonna's rallying cry to Rebel fighters before their assault on the Death Star: "Then man your ships! And may the Force be with you!" Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, particularly after the U.K. Conservative Party used a clever play on words in a newspaper advertisement congratulating Margaret Thatcher on becoming Prime Minister in 1979, stating, "May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!" This marked one of the first official uses of the phrase outside of the films, according to Steven Sansweet on StarWars.com.
Fast forward to today, and Star Wars Day is celebrated with various activities, from themed parties to movie marathons. Fans are encouraged to binge-watch the entire Star Wars saga, which is conveniently available on Disney+. All eleven films, including the nine episodes of the Skywalker Saga, as well as spin-offs like "Rogue One" and "Solo: A Star Wars Story," can be streamed with a subscription.
As fans gather to celebrate, many are looking forward to new content. A brand-new Star Wars film, "Star Wars: Starfighter," is set for release in 2027, starring Academy Award-winning actor Ryan Gosling. Directed by Shawn Levy, the film will take place five years after the events of 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker" and promises to introduce all-new characters and adventures in a previously unexplored timeline.
In addition to the cinematic offerings, theme parks are also getting in on the festivities. Disneyland Park is home to "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge," an immersive land that opened in May 2019. This area features attractions, dining, and character interactions all themed around the Star Wars universe. Disneyland is currently celebrating its "Season of the Force" event, which runs through May 11, 2025. This celebration includes a new nighttime projection show titled "Shadows of Memory: A Skywalker Saga," character meet-and-greets with Luke Skywalker, and limited-time food and merchandise offerings.
For those at Disney World, guests can also visit "Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge" at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Although there are no specific May the 4th events scheduled, special Star Wars-themed treats and merchandise will be available throughout the park for the entire month of May. Tickets for May 4, 2025, at Disneyland start at $180, while Disney World tickets are priced at $174.
Fans eager to expand their collections can look forward to new Star Wars collectibles from Hasbro, revealed during a recent Hasbro Pulse Fanstream. Products include the "Star Wars: The Black Series Force FX Elite Ezra Bridger Lightsaber" and action figures such as Aayla Secura and the MagnaGuard, celebrating the 20th anniversary of "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith." Other collectible items include various trooper figures and the Vintage Collection, which features classic characters and ships.
Moreover, retailers are gearing up for the day with exclusive offers. Select GameStop locations will sell the "Star Wars: The Black Series Clone Trooper (501st Legion) Electronic Helmet" on May 4, 2025. This special item comes with a free 501st Legion challenge coin for those who purchase it while supplies last.
Star Wars Day is not just about merchandise and movies; it's a celebration of community and fandom. Fans often dress up as their favorite characters, host themed parties, and share their love for the series on social media using hashtags like #Maythe4th. Many also participate in events at local theaters, toy stores, and even sports venues that hold Star Wars-themed celebrations.
As the franchise continues to grow, with new series like "Andor" and the upcoming animated series "Star Wars: Tales of the Underworld" set to debut on Disney+, the excitement surrounding Star Wars Day is only expected to increase. The first two episodes of "Tales of the Underworld" will be available on May 2, 2025, inside the video game Fortnite, giving fans an early taste of the new content.
With all this in mind, Star Wars Day is a perfect opportunity for fans to reconnect with the saga they love, whether through streaming movies, attending events, or collecting new toys. As the saying goes, may the Force be with you!
